Many turned to faith after Hurricane Charley and attended services outdoors since a lot of churches were damaged by the storm.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Edgewater United Methodist Church in Port Charlotte was unable to use its worship center after the storm and did not move back until December 2012.

SUN FILE PHOTO

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda sustained heavy damage, as is visible in this aerial photo.

SUN FILE PHOTO

Churches around Charlotte County, and especially in Punta Gorda, sustained heavy damage.

PHOTO PROVIDED

This is Edgewater United Methodist Church in Port Charlotte now after being rebuilt.

By AL HEMINGWAY

Sun Correspondent

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Editor’s note: The Sun is taking a look back as we near the 10th anniversary since Hurricane Charley roared into Charlotte Harbor. We’ll bring you a story each day, culminating in a special insert in Wednesday’s paper that you don’t want to miss!

As the Rev. Stephen Mock, pastor, drove down Marion Avenue the morning after Hurricane Charley, the first thing he could see was the bell tower of the First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda, located across the street from City Hall.

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